An average of 90 millimetres of rain has been recorded during the past 24 hours to 10:00am Friday over the Macleay River catchment.

Further rainfall is forecast over the next 12 hours which could produce further river level rises.

The situation is being closely monitored and revised predictions will be issued if necessary. 

What we are expecting: The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that the Macleay River will peak at Kempsey near 4.50 metres Friday afternoon with minor flooding. This will cause minor flooding on the Macleay River.

The current River height at the Kempsey gauge is 3.52 metres (rising).

As a result flood water has started to impact low lying areas, roads, bridges and causeways in and around the Upper Macleay, Kempsey and the lower Macleay.

Should river heights continue to rise residents need to consider the impact of potential isolation.

People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding need to consider the following:

• Refraining from driving or walking through flood water

• The impact of possible road closures and flood isolation on work, family and educational commitments

• Monitoring emergency warnings and severe weather updates on local ABC radio, NSW SES Mid North Coast Facebook Page and Bureau of Meteorology website

• If your property is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or tables, placing electrical items on top

• If you live in a low-lying area and are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so

• Securing outside belongings and before leaving; turn off the power, water and take essential medicines and clothes with you

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.

Latest River Heights: Macleay River at Bellbrook 3.24m and steady at10:59 AM FRI 23/03/18

Macleay River at Kempsey (AHD) 3.52m and rising at 11:02 AM FRI 23/03/18

Macleay River at Smithtown 1.73m and rising at 11:00 AM FRI 23/03/18

For more information:

• Road information, for local roads contact Council or log onto http://midnorthcoast.myroadinfo.com.au

• Road information on State Government managed roads go to the Live Traffic NSW website at http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au

• Rural animal and livestock assistance contact your Local Land Services Office

• You can find more information on the weather in the catchments of the Macleay River from the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au